Rafael Benitez is preparing to take training at Chelsea’s Cobham base with the
club insisting it is "business as usual", despite his criticism of
supporters and the limitations of his "interim" title.

Despite his potentially incendiary comments, it is understood the club believe Benitez's frustrations were aimed at the supporters, rather than owner Roman Abramovich, and as things stand he is expected to be in charge of the team against West Brom on Saturday.

Speaking after Chelsea's 2-0 FA Cup victory at Middlesbrough on Wednesday night, Benitez was highly critical of the supporters who have aimed gratuitous abuse at him since he took the job 99 days ago.

He accused the fans of "wasting their time" because he would be gone at the end of the season, and also said that the decision to call him interim manger was "a big mistake", a phrase that has been interpreted as criticism of Abramovich.

Within Chelsea, however, there is a view that, given the level of abuse Benitez has had to absorb, his comments were understandable, and the club is minded to let him continue leading the chase for a place in next season's Champions League.

The club acknowledge the Spaniard spoke out because he believes the poisonous atmosphere at Stamford Bridge, and away from home, is affecting the team, and trust his judgment given his daily contact with the players.

The club's board appreciate that Benitez is under huge pressure. His comments come after both Roberto Mancini and Arsene Wenger also showed impatience and anger in recent press conferences - evidence the club believes of intense strain faced by managers competing for the highest stakes.

There is a belief that having asked Benitez to take on a role that leaves him particularly exposed, they should allow him to try and complete the job he was hired to do.

For his part, Benitez is understood to be adamant that he was not criticising Abramovich, and his reference to the interim title was linked to his comments about the supporters.

While he has felt for some time that the interim title removed some of his authority in a wilful dressing room, he has no complaints about the owner, who he believes has allowed him to manage as he sees fit.

Despite the club's current support, Benitez is certain to face a hugely challenging atmosphere at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.